The Magic Question

by David Cottrell

The Magic Question is an essential tool kit for long-term leadership success. It will teach you how to earn the right to hear your team ask The Magic Question by answering six key questions your team members are always asking (whether you hear them or not). When you clearly and consistently answer these six questions, you will see magical results. Morale will improve, job satisfaction will increase and turnover will decrease. And... you will have a lot more fun leading.

Genres: Leadership, Professional Development, Business

Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Marc Walls · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Magic Question is a pearl of a book that is a quick read at just around 100 pages. The crux of the message centers on the question all leaders seek to hear: "how can I help?". There is much more to this read though. Each chapter focuses on a different question leaders should have a concise response for. I really enjoyed the perspective that the book was written from. Essentially, for people to ask the magic question, a leader needs to provide answers to the important questions that are asked of him/her. The information is not innovative, but it is presented in a way that will make sense to the leader; connecting important dots and concepts. I think all leaders, whether aspiring or in the trenches of managing change, will enjoy and benefit from The Magic Question.

[Jay French · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this similar to many other basic leadership books I've read. Nothing jumped out as novel. On reflection, not much was memorable. This was a good reminder of things to think about as a leader, but I'd consider it a short, casual read.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read with great insight. All managers should read this.

[Arranda Saputra · Rating 4 out of 5]

My best finding of the month!!

First of all, i must say that i'm happy that i found this book on a clearance sale in a local bookstore. It went down from its original price 22$ to only 8$. The title really made me curious about the content, but still i read this book without expecting a lot of fresh knowledge. After all, it was an 8$ book. Turns out after i read every chapter, i got everything beyond my expectation. I will say that this little book is very powerful. Unlike other leadership books, this is really a mind opener. If people say "dont judge a book by its cover" then i'm also gonna add "dont judge a book by its price"

It breaks down most of leadership problems into six questions, then it helps us answering all those six questions. It really straight to the point and clearly defining all aspects that you need to be a good leader: consistency, communication, careness, trust, and integrity. I wont bother explaining each one of them in this review, it will be better for you to dig down deeper by reading this book yourself. Dont underestimate it just because it has less than 100 pages.

The best thing about this book is the author's way of explaining things using analogy and added example from his career experience, it totally make a lot of sense. I may have a little disagreements with some points but this book is a must read for every leader and every soon-to-be leader. 4 stars!!

[Theresa Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What are the Magic Questions when you are a leader of any kind? Well, there are several to keep in mind in order to reach your optimum potential. How can I help? What is really important? How am I doing? How is our team doing? Do you care? What difference do we make? Are you worth following? This book was enlightening and functional at the same time. I got a lot of pointers on how to motivate people in general. Also, I realized in some situations during my career it wasn't always my fault. Poor leadership might have created the situation, and my response to it was natural. Not to say, I don't take responsibility. However, the leadership of an organization will determine it's success. It is that simple. If the members are not successful, everyone needs to look at the leader. You hear the phrase, "The buck stops here." It really does. This book points to the facts behind it. I could not put the book down. It is highly recommended for everyone. Even if you are not a leader, this is just the tool you need to evaluate the leaders you have in your life.

[Efrem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very good book on leadership. It teaches (or reminds) leaders about several important questions that they need to answer--and in fact are answering, whether they realize it or not--for their teams on an ongoing basis. Once leaders give the right answers to their teams, then their teams will ask them the Magic Question, and that is when the organization can really take off. I am very glad to have read this book.

[Laura Hoffman Brauman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad -- a little more simplistic than what I was looking for, but could be a good intro book for a new manager. I did like that they kept all of the strategies and suggestions very doable.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

a simple and quick read with lots of great sense application. I could easily see this as something I could read with and apply with my staff.

[VENKATRAMAN C K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a handbook for building a High Performing Team.

[Shaggy91 · Rating 4 out of 5]

i worked in call center, if you a leader this is a great book with a great ideas for leading (y)